The Whiteside County Fair will take place August 18 through August 22 at the Whiteside County Fairgrounds on Winfield Street in Morrison, Illinois.
While the Whiteside County Fair has evolved significantly since its beginnings in the late 1800s, its agricultural roots remain at the heart of the event.
The Whiteside County Agriculture Society continues to showcase livestock and agriculture throughout the fair, with visitors able to see cattle, horses, pigs, sheep and chickens. The fair has also evolved to include a wide variety of food vendors, entertainment and activities for people of all ages.
For Houzenga, one of the most important parts of the fair is its ability to bring the community together while continuing to highlight the area’s agricultural heritage.
This year’s fair features a packed schedule of evening entertainment, giving visitors plenty of reasons to return throughout the week.
The lineup includes bull riding on Tuesday, bronc riding on Wednesday, monster trucks on Thursday, followed by a special fireworks show celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, a truck and tractor pull on Friday, and a demolition derby on Saturday.
The monster truck night is expected to be a particular draw for families. The event will once again feature Bigfoot, and children and families will have the opportunity to get up close to the trucks and meet the drivers before the show.
Returning fairgoers will also find several changes around the grounds this year.
A new interactive children’s game show called Kids Bucks will take the place of the Grandpa Cratchet puppet show, which will not be appearing at this year’s fair. The new attraction gives children an opportunity to watch and participate in the show.
The fair will also introduce a new bingo setup. Bingo is moving from its previous trailer location into the former restaurant building, which will now be known as the Bingo Barn.
There has also been a significant improvement to the fairgrounds themselves. The ticket booth on the Orange Street side has been replaced after the original structure became outdated and was condemned. The new booth provides an updated look while fitting in with the rest of the fairgrounds.
Several new food vendors will also join the fair this year, adding even more options for visitors.
Organizers have worked to keep admission affordable, making it possible for families to enjoy multiple days of the fair without a major expense.
Daily admission is $10 for adults, $4 for children, and free for children 5 and under. Season tickets are available for $25 for adults and $10 for children ages 6–11.
A season ticket provides admission to the fairgrounds throughout the event, allowing visitors to experience the livestock, food and nightly entertainment all week.
While the major evening events are a big attraction, the Whiteside County Fair offers plenty to experience throughout the day.
Visitors can explore the livestock exhibits, enjoy fair food and take in the community atmosphere. For Houzenga, one of the highlights each year is simply seeing people come together.
He also has a personal favorite when it comes to fair food: the milkshakes from the dairy stand near the livestock pavilion.
With more than 150 years of history behind it, the Whiteside County Fair continues to balance tradition with new attractions and improvements.
For the people who organize the event, the work doesn’t end when the final day of the fair is over. Planning for the following year’s event begins almost immediately, with organizers looking for ways to build on what worked and make the experience even better.
Whether visitors come for the livestock, food, children’s activities, monster trucks, fireworks, truck and tractor pulls, demolition derby, or simply the chance to spend time with friends and neighbors, the 155th Whiteside County Fair offers something for a wide range of interests.
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